Fire in a house or flat

If the fire is in your home, follow your escape plan and call 999. Leave belongings. Close doors behind you if this can be done safely and do not return. Do not investigate smoke in a corridor or attempt to fight a growing fire.

If you cannot escape safely, call 999 immediately, give your precise position and follow the call handler. A room with a door between you and the smoke may provide protection while help arrives. Avoid opening a door into heavy smoke or heat. Do not attempt an improvised climb or jump from a window.

Flats need the building's plan: Purpose-built blocks may have a stay-put strategy or a simultaneous evacuation strategy. Converted buildings can have different arrangements. Ask your landlord or managing agent for the current plan, including any temporary change during remedial work. Do not give every flat occupant a universal instruction to stay or leave.

If smoke or fire is affecting your flat, an escape route is unsafe, or firefighters issue instructions, the actual conditions matter. Call 999 and follow emergency advice. Tell the operator your floor, flat number, access needs and whether anyone is trapped. Use lifts only if they are designated for the relevant evacuation arrangement and their use is specifically directed; ordinary lifts should not be treated as a fire escape.

Prepare now: Keep exits clear, make sure doors close correctly and test alarms according to their instructions and fire service guidance. Plan how a person who cannot use stairs will get help. Keep keys accessible to household members without compromising security. Avoid charging batteries or parking mobility and transport equipment where a fire could block the only exit.

During power cuts: Use battery lights rather than open flames wherever possible. Keep candles, if used, away from children, pets, curtains and bedding and never leave them unattended. Outdoor heating and cooking equipment creates fire and carbon monoxide risks indoors.